A well-known and much-loved member of the Dundas community has passed away.

Elsie Picone died on Tuesday. She was in her 85th year.

Daughter Theresa Picone said her mother was diagnosed with cancer in December of last year. Mrs. Picone had spent the past few weeks in hospital, but was expected to return home on Monday.

“It didn’t happen that way. All seven of her children were with her since Monday, all afternoon and all through the night until she passed.”

A funeral is planned for Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 58 Sydenham St. in Dundas. Family and friends will be received at the Cattel, Eaton and Chambers Funeral Home, 53 Main St., Dundas, Jan. 31 from 7-9 p.m. and Friday, Feb. 1 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Vigil prayers will be on Friday at 8 p.m.

Throughout her life, Mrs. Picone received numerous community awards, including Citizen of the Year, the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and Paul Harris Fellowship. She was a founding member of Dundas Community Services and an active member of her church.

“She was a pretty strong person, and something I think we will hear from a lot of people is that she was a mentor and a pillar of strength, not just for the family but for the community as well. She was small but mighty,” said Theresa.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Juravinski Hospital or St. Joseph’s Hospital would be appreciated by the family.

Picone’s is one of the longest operating small businesses on King Street West in Dundas. Joseph Picone Senior started his grocery and fresh produce shop in 1915. Family members have continued to operate the business at 35 King St. W.